Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
Forty-four pupils and teachers abducted nearly two months ago from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a month-long, intelligence-driven rescue operation involving the military, intelligence services and other security agencies.
The victims were rescued on Friday, July 10, after what the Nigerian Army described as a carefully planned and coordinated operation targeting the kidnappers’ network and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, special forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Army said the rescue mission, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the criminal network behind the abduction, including its kingpins, logistics suppliers, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
The security operation led to multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states, significantly weakening the kidnappers’ network.
According to the military, the sustained pressure from security forces forced the terrorists to unconditionally release all 44 hostages.
The Army noted that the operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage. However, it disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, without providing further details.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before they are handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance, operational support and resources that contributed to the success of the mission.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support to security agencies, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; other Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and the heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.
The Army also commended the media and Nigerians for their patience and support during the rescue effort and urged citizens to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality.